Kum & Go · 1 month ago
Director of Government Affairs
Des Moines, IA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expKum & Go is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to lead their legislative and political engagement strategy across various levels of government. This role is responsible for building and executing a government relations program that aligns with business objectives and promotes public policy priorities.
E-CommerceFood and BeverageRetail
Responsibilities
Develop and implement multi-jurisdictional strategies to influence public policy and legislative initiatives across the US and European markets
Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies that affect the organization's interests and values in key markets including the United States, Italy, and other European Union countries
Craft position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials tailored to different regulatory environments and cultural contexts
Engage with policymakers and staff to represent the organization’s perspective and participate in public policy discussions and government-led initiatives
Promote the organization's values and advance its three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)– Gender Equity, Reduced Inequalities and Climate Action -across international communities served through core verticals, soccer, wine, and real estate, fostering positive influence in diverse global markets
Establish and maintain relationships with government officials, legislators, regulatory agencies, and policymakers across the US and European markets
Build strategic partnerships with international diplomatic missions, trade organizations, and cross-border business councils
Represent the organization at legislative hearings, policy forums, and international conferences
Coordinate meetings and briefings with government officials in multiple countries to advocate for the organization's policy positions
Navigate complex international regulatory frameworks and ensure compliance across jurisdictions
Manage relationships with European Union institutions and member state governments, with particular emphasis on Italian political landscape
Lead a coordinated engagement plan with City of Des Moines, Polk County, and State of Iowa stakeholders to support major development work and ensure unified messaging around community benefits and economic impact
Lead the development and execution of a formal, organization-wide global government relations strategy—including vision, mission, values, and policy tenets adapted for international markets
Develop annual strategic plans that include legislative engagement, political giving (where legally permissible), stakeholder mapping, metrics, and risk mitigation across multiple jurisdictions
Oversee and strategically guide European political efforts, managing external firms and local consultants in key markets
Coordinate and advise on the establishment of advocacy structures including a US 501(c)(4) and equivalent European entities, including mission development and governance setup
Identify emerging political and regulatory issues across global markets that may impact the organization and develop proactive cross-jurisdictional strategies
Advise the organization's leadership on international political and policy developments and their potential impact on global operations
Develop crisis management protocols for political and regulatory challenges across different time zones and legal systems
Manage and collaborate with external lobbying or legal teams, consultants, and government relations firms across multiple countries
Build and maintain influential relationships with policymakers, regulators, political organizations, and allied coalitions in key international markets
Organize and participate in international stakeholder meetings, roundtables, and collaborative initiatives including trade missions and diplomatic events
Serve as advisor to leaders within the organization on global political trends, policy developments, and international stakeholder opportunities
Support cross-functional alignment by educating internal departments, functions or businesses on the impacts of international legislation and policy decisions
Coordinate with business leaders to ensure government relations activities support local market strategies
Provide internal education on legislation and policy impacts
Cultivate alliances with major employers, chambers, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and civic organizations to strengthen regional support for development projects and deepen community partnerships across Des Moines
Serve as the primary point of contact for government-related inquiries and communications across all operating jurisdictions
Prepare and deliver presentations, speeches, and reports to internal and external audiences, adapting messaging for different cultural and political contexts
Ensure that all government relations activities are communicated effectively within the organization and comply with disclosure requirements across jurisdictions
Represent the interests of all Krause Group entities, including the family, Foundation, wholly-owned businesses, and minority investments, in all relevant legislative and government relations matters globally
Ensure alignment across philanthropic and commercial efforts while respecting different regulatory environments and cultural norms
Communicate government relations activity across the organization
Develop a consistent policy narrative that highlights community benefits, economic development, and long-term value for Des Moines
Qualification
Required
8+ years of progressive government relations, public policy, or political experience
5+ years of experience managing international or cross-border government relations programs
Demonstrated experience working with multiple levels of government (local, state/regional, federal/national, supranational)
Proven track record of successful advocacy campaigns and policy influence across different jurisdictions
Experience with 501(c)(4) formation or similar advocacy organization structures
Background in managing and coordinating external legal consultants, firms, and international services
10+ years in government relations, legal, policy, or related fields
Strong understanding of Iowa's political system
Deep understanding of US political systems and regulatory frameworks at federal, state, and local levels
Working knowledge of European Union institutions, processes, and policy-making mechanisms
Experience navigating international trade policies, cross-border business regulations, and diplomatic protocols
Understanding of global political risk assessment and mitigation strategies
A politically astute leader with a strong sense of social responsibility and the ability to build influence through values-driven coalitions
Deep understanding of political giving structures (PACs, 501(c)(4), etc.)
Experience navigating legislative cycles and building strategic plans
Highly collaborative, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills
Growth mindset and ability to operate with agility in high-change environments
High level of integrity and ethical standards
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
Strong business acumen and commercial understanding
Politically savvy with strong influence and coalition-building skills
Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills
Agile, collaborative, and capable of thriving in dynamic environments
Preferred
Experience in one or more of Krause Group's core verticals: sports/soccer, wine/agriculture, real estate, or hospitality preferred
Lobbying experience preferred
Familiarity with U.S. and Iowa political landscapes; EU familiarity preferred
Familiarity with Italian political landscape, government structures, and regulatory environment highly preferred
Company
Kum & Go
Kum & Go is a convenience retailer.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2023-08-29Acquired
Leadership Team
Ashley Schaeffer, PHR
Human Resources Business Partner
Darci Leader
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer
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